William H Bartle

William Harry Bartle died peacefully September 9th, 2018 at the age of 76 after fighting a long, courageous battle with his failing health.  He resided in Southbury Connecticut with his devoted wife of 21 years Marilyn V. (Haines) Bartle.

He was born April 27, 1942 to William Butler and Evelyn Bartle in Detroit Michigan.

Bill started his career in the Coast Guard from 1960-1966.  He then went into the Army Reserve from 1966-1996 retiring as a Command Sergeant Major which is the highest enlisted rank. During his time in the Coast Guard and Army, Bill was awarded multiple citations and medals all of which were displayed in his home with great pride.  Among those were The Legion of Merit and Commendation Medals and many more for his outstanding leadership roles.

While serving in the Army Reserve, Bill was hired by the Detroit Police Department.  He proudly served the city of Detroit  from 1966 to his retirement in 2002 obtaining the rank of Sergeant.  Over his 36 year career, his fondest and most rewarding years were those spent in the K-9 division and the Tactical mobile unit.  The citations and medals he obtained in the police department were just as numerous as the ones he was awarded in the military career which he displayed side by side.  Most notably was his award for directly saving the life of a citizen.  Upon his retirement from Detroit Police in 2002, he moved to Connecticut with his wife Marilyn and started a new Career with TSA, where he continued to keep Americans safe until he retired in 2013.

Bill also graduated with an Associates in Arts in Law Enforcement and Protection from Mercy College in 1975.  He then went on to get his Bachelors in Science from Madonna College in 1990.

Bill was a true gentleman.  Beyond the deep love of his country, family and putting others first, he would always hold a door for a lady despite carrying a cane and an oxygen tank. He would stand in Church or for the national anthem, even when his legs were failing him.  One of Bill’s favorite foods was hot dogs and till the end, he talked of owning and operating a Hot Dog Cart. He enjoyed meeting new people and he loved to talk.  If you were ever fortunate to have a seat next to him, he always had a kind word to say, or an incredibly humbling story of his career and military experience.  Bill was especially fond of his grandchildren, both near, far and in heaven, and his deepest pride came when he spoke of them.  Bill was an honorable man and very proud of the life he lived and the stories he shared with many around him.

Bill is survived by his loving  wife, Marilyn V. Bartle.  One sister, Linda Kostinko of Champaign Illinois, 2 brothers, Tom (Debbie) Butler of Florida, Danny (Kathy) Butler of North Carolina.  His 3 children,  Daniel Bartle of Livonia Michigan, Tammy (Kurt) Podojil of New Boston, Michigan and Jason Bartle of Detroit Michigan. 5 wonderful Grandchildren:  Crystal (Ryan) Dobson, Anthony Podojil, Raymond Podojil, Cameron Bartle, Coleton Bartle.  He was predeceased by his oldest grandson James Podojil. 

Bill also was lucky enough to have 2 step daughters who adored him:  Michele(Charles) Payne  of Newtown, Micola (Russell) Paltauf of Southbury and 6 more grandchildren he loved like his own:  Ben Payne, Jim Payne, John Payne, Sarah Payne, Ryan Paltauf and Raegan Paltauf. 

    On September 23, 2018 at 1:30pm we will be celebrating Bill at the family’s Church, The United Church of Christ 283 Main Street North Southbury.  After a brief service by Walter Pittman, we will be placing his ashes in the memorial stone wall outside on the green at the church.  Light refreshments will be served in the social hall, maybe even a hot dog or two.  In lieu of flowers, a donation in honor of William Bartle may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

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